The Cardboard Derby Returns

Sipapu’s Cardboard Derby is the resort’s most popular event (and New Mexico’s only cardboard derby). Participants construct vessels using cardboard, duct tape, string, twine and paint only and race them down the mountain as they aim for a bull’s eye in the base area. Points are awarded based on how close the derbies hit the target.

“When we started this event nearly ten years ago, people were dumpster diving for cardboard on the way up to the resort and sliding on beat-up boxes,” said marketing director Stacey Glaser. “These days, the vessels are amazing. We’ve seen Volkswagens, airplanes, ladybugs, french fries… you wouldn’t believe what people can create using just duct tape and cardboard.”

Participants of all ages and vessel sizes are eligible to compete, and the event includes junior (ages 12 and under), teen (ages 13-20) and adult (ages 21 and older) divisions (plus both individual and team categories). Cash and prizes will be awarded to the vessels that come closest to the target, and the best prizes go to the most creative derbies, Glaser added.

“It’s obvious people spend days and weeks, not to mention a lot of duct tape, when they’re building their derbies, and we enjoy rewarding those efforts with our most valuable gifts.”

Thousands of dollars in prizes are up for grabs, including vacation packages at nearby destinations El Monte Sagrado and the Buffalo Thunder Hilton, soaks at Ojo Caliente, $100 cash prizes and more.

Cost to participate is $10 per vessel, and each vessel may be entered in up to two categories. Participants may pre-register online at www.SipapuNM.com.

Spring Break Includes Expanded Hours and Terrain ParksAs the resort readies for the biggest event and ski week of the year, Sipapu announced today it will expand the lift operating hours, giving Spring Breakers an extra hour on the slopes. Starting Sunday, March 11, the lifts will run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The resort lengthens its ski days every year with Daylight Savings, said general manager John Paul Bradley.

“While some may think of Daylight Savings as losing an hour of sleep, we like to think of it as gaining an extra hour of skiing and snowboarding,” he said. “Our guests love spring skiing and the conditions have been fantastic, so we want to give them that extra hour of afternoon sunshine.”

Sipapu is reporting a 45” base with all 41 trails open and all 5 lifts in operation. Bradley added that a storm system is making its way through northern New Mexico starting tonight.

Expanded Schedule:

Date

Hours of Operation

Through March 10

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

March 11-18

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

March 19-25

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

March 31-April 1

9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

April 7-8

9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

April 14-15

9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In addition to the extra skiing and snowboarding, Spring Breakers will also enjoy three new terrain parks: last month, the resort opened New Mexico’s first organic parks (made from only natural snow and features), and terrain park crews are currently building a new park on Don Diego. The new park will include at least ten features, said Bradley.

The Spring Break week will include several events in addition to the Cardboard Derby, including the Black Diamond Telemark Festival, the Freeheel Fray (Sipapu’s skin-up, ski-down race), Micro Brew-Ski Saturdays and Open Mic Night on Thursday. For complete details, visit www.SipapuNM.com.

Closing date is tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2012 (weather and conditions permitting). Sipapu has been the last resort to close in the state for the previous six years.

Sipapu is open everyday for the 2011-2012 season. Lift ticket rates are $44 for adults (ages 21-59), and $37 for teens (ages 13-20), and $29 for kids (ages 7-12) and seniors (ages 60-69). Fourth graders, kids ages six and younger, guests who are 40 years old, guests who are 60 years old and seniors 70 or better ski and snowboard free everyday at Sipapu.

For more information, call 800-587-2240 or visit Sipapu’s website at www.SipapuNM.com.

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About Sipapu

Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort is New Mexico’s fastest growing ski resort. Located just 20 miles southeast of Taos and two hours north of Albuquerque, Sipapu offers family-friendly, family fun to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Family-owned and operated since 1952, Sipapu is home to New Mexico’s longest ski season and the best deals in the Rockies. The resort is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Carson National Forest, and features over 40 trails, five lifts and two terrain parks. On-site amenities include slope-side lodging, a full-service ski shop, ski school and gourmet home cooking at the Riverside Café and Paradise Riverside Bar & Grill.